12 Thunder Alums on Scranton Roster

Straight from an SWB Yankees press release…

Moosic, PA – The New York Yankees have released the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 2008 opening day roster. Eleven members of the 2008 squad spent time with the SWB Yankees during the 2007 season. In addition, 12 players on the opening day roster spent time in the Major Leagues during the ’07 campaign.

Pitchers Chris Britton, Kei Igawa, Scott Patterson, Edwar Ramirez, Darrell Rasner, Jose Veres, and Steven White all appeared in games with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre during 2007. While not a Yankee in 2007, pitcher Dan Giese is very familiar with PNC Field having spent the 2003 – 2006 seasons as a member of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. Eric Duncan, Alberto Gonzalez, Justin Christian and Brett Gardner are the returning position players from 2007.

INF Nick Green (Mariners), OF Jason Lane (Astros, Padres), C Chad Moeller (Reds, LA Dodgers), LHP Heath Phillips (Chicago White Sox) and INF Cody Ransom (Astros), all saw time in the Major Leagues in 2007 and will bolster the depth and experience of the team.

RHP Alan Horne, RHP Jeff Marquez and C Jason Brown spent all of 2007 with the Eastern League champion Trenton Thunder. 1B Juan Miranda began the ’07 season with Tampa of the Florida State League before finishing the season with the Eastern League champs. INF Bernie Castro (Columbus Clippers), OF Greg Porter (Arkansas Travelers, Salt Lake Bees) and RHP Scott Strickland (Portland Beavers) round out the 2008 Yankees roster.

Manager Dave Miley, who guided the Yankees to an International League best 84-59 record in 2007, is back at the helm and will be joined by returnees; hitting coach Butch Wynegar, coach Alvaro Espinoza and athletic trainer Darren London. The newcomer to the field staff for 2008 is pitching coach Rafael Chaves.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre opens the 2008 regular season at PNC Field on Thursday, April 3rd with a 7:00 pm first pitch against the International League’s new franchise, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

One Response to “12 Thunder Alums on Scranton Roster”

I know this isn’t totally possible because a lot of the Thunder alums are starting pitchers, but it would be cool if they tried to get as many of them in the game as possible (the relievers and position players). Marquez is starting, and I’m sure Duncan, Gardner, Christian and Miranda will play too.

I’d be nice if guys like Patterson, Edwar and Giese can pitch an inning or 2 in relief.